German researchers use plasma for 3D-printed patient-specific implants

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films in Braunschweig, Germany, developed a method to 3D-print patient-specific and stable plastic bone implants, according to 3D Printing Media Network.

Here are three things to know:

1. The novel printing process uses a plasma jet technique that blows a cold jet of plasma-containing reactive groups onto the implant's individually printed layers. The amino groups from the plasma are intended to bond with the surface of the printed layers to enable bone cells to adhere to a substrate.

2. The 3D printing and plasma jet coating process are combined into a single machine. Researchers claim the process does not require any chemical pretreatment.

3. While the technology is still experimental at this stage, it may enable physicians to produce superior patient-specific bone implants, according to the report.